Historic site
Cascades Female Factory
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The Cascades Female Factory is a hauntingly significant UNESCO World Heritage site located in Hobart's foothills. It operated from 1828 to 1856 as a prison for female convicts transported to Van Diemen's Land. Today, visitors can take guided tours through the remaining sandstone buildings and yards, where costumed interpreters and immersive audio experiences bring to life the harsh realities faced by thousands of women. The site's evocative ruins, set against the green hillside, offer a poignant glimpse into a dark chapter of Australia's colonial past, highlighting the resilience and stories of the women who were incarcerated here.
Don't miss
- Join the 'Her Story' guided tour featuring a costumed interpreter who portrays a real historical figure from the factory.
- Explore the original laundry yard where convict women performed backbreaking labor washing clothes.
- Listen to the audio tour 'The Female Factory: A Place of Punishment' for firsthand accounts and soundscapes of prison life.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Cascades Female Factory
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inCascades Female Factory Historic Site [official]4.5★ · 127 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$25 per personSee dates →
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